Computers and office automation industries

You can touch this

Article Abstract:

Touchscreens are made up of a controller and a sensor screen, as well as software that can be purchased as add-ons, clip-ons and integrated systems available for flat-panel displays or for CRT monitors. The type of application dictates which touch technology is appropriate. Capacitive technology employs a metal-oxide coating over a glass overlay with a low frequency current emitted by electrodes at the screen corners, and is a good general-purpose touchscreen. Projected capacitive technology is similar to capacitive but operates at a higher frequency. Resistive technology is popular for public kiosks, and infrared technology performs optimally on flat panels as opposed to CRT tubes. Surface-wave technology employs a glass overlay over the display surface so visibility isn't compromised. Guided-wave technology provides good visibility on a durable glass surface which is difficult to scratch but can be broken. A table of 23 products is presented.

CD-ROM titles go abroad

Article Abstract:

Multimedia title developers are localizing their titles for exportation due to rapid growth in the international PC and CD-ROM markets. Preparing a title for another country involves more than mere translation. Cultural differences must be taken into consideration when producing and marketing products. Titles for exportation to Japan need major programing modification to accommodate differences in Japanese operating systems for Macs and PCs. Some producers find localizing a title almost as complex as producing a completely new product. Some outsource localization to foreign partners, but international business agreements involve complexities of their own. Sales of PCs to Europe and Asia Pacific Rim countries amounted to $21.5 billion in 1995, a figure 34% percent higher than US PC sales. By the year 2000, international sales of PCs are expected to reach $48 billion, which is expected to be 80% higher than US PC sales.

A new spin on content

Article Abstract:

The surging popularity of the Web is causing CD-ROM developers to wonder whether their medium is destined for obsolescence, or if discs will retain some level of usability and profitability. The number of CD-ROM titles does not approach the number of Web sites, but CD-ROM developers claim that many Web sites can not match the rich content featured by discs. Nonetheless, CD-ROM developers are building discs that augment Web sites by providing more information, data or content. However, companies switching their focus to include CD-ROM and Web development are also forced to alter their corporate business strategies, marketing processes and staffing requirements. Generally, CD-ROM titles and well-designed Web sites can be lucrative ventures, but profit margins for CD-ROMs eclipse that of Web sites.